International

The United Nations faces a severe cash shortage, with funds expected to run out by August. Major donors, including the US and China, have failed to pay their 2026 budget dues in full, forcing the organization to delay payments to maintain operations.

The United States has signed an agreement to build a permanent embassy in Jerusalem at the Allenby compound. While Israel welcomes the move as a sign of their alliance, Palestinian rights groups condemn it, citing land confiscation and violations of international law.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly preparing for their wedding this week at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Despite tight secrecy, signs of preparations and increased security suggest a star-studded ceremony will take place at the iconic venue this Friday.

Extreme heat and humidity are gripping the United States, with 46 million people under alerts. As the nation hosts the World Cup and prepares for its 250th anniversary, cities are implementing cooling measures to protect residents from this severe, climate-driven heat wave.

US President Donald Trump defended earning over $1 billion from cryptocurrency ventures in 2025. He dismissed conflict-of-interest concerns, claiming his finances are managed by blind trusts and that his wealth growth reflects broader market success during his presidency.

Middle East conflicts highlight South-east Asia's reliance on imported fossil fuels. This vulnerability accelerates the push toward nuclear energy, seen as a secure, low-carbon baseload power source for regional energy independence and stability.

Once highly secretive, Turkmenistan is showing signs of opening up. E-commerce and social media are growing rapidly in society. Meanwhile, the government signals a modest thaw by seeking to diversify its economy and improve diplomatic ties.

Police charged a man with stabbing two Jewish men in London amid rising attacks. Authorities declared the incident a terrorist event. PM Starmer vowed to boost security for the community, acknowledging that the UK faces a "pandemic of antisemitism."

The WHO assessed Ebola risk as high in Central Africa due to the complex DRC outbreak, but low globally. While declared an international emergency, experts stressed that global surveillance and early detection capabilities must be significantly strengthened.

Putin hosts Asean leaders for a summit focused on energy and food security. Amid global instability, Asean nations increasingly view Russia as a vital partner, boosting Moscow's regional influence and challenging Western isolation efforts.

Thailand appointed German and South African experts for a UN arbitration process regarding its maritime dispute with Cambodia. The conciliation addresses the valuable Overlapping Claims Area in the Gulf of Thailand, initiated under UNCLOS.

In a decisive vote, Switzerland rejected capping its population at 10 million. Voters prioritized economic stability and maintaining EU ties over immigration worries. Business groups welcomed the result, fearing trade damage otherwise.